"We needed a skylight installed in our bathroom, and MMP did an excellent job--we are very happy with it! The team was friendly and worked quickly and efficiently to get it done before it got dark, and the quality of their work was excellent. Matt was very friendly and nice to communicate with as well, and always responded right away. I highly recommend MMP Construction to anyone looking for great quality work and excellent customer service."
"We engaged Bob Phalan of Phalan Construction to do a number of small to medium size projects in our home, including: building and installing stairs from the kitchen to garage, building/ finishing/ installing a stair handrail, building/ finishing/ installing doors for an existing kitchen cabinet, repairing 2 sinking decks, getting rid of squeaks in the floor, leveling a number of doors. Bob does excellent work, he really knows his stuff and is a master craftsman in all kinds of home projects, especially carpentry. We highly recommend Phalan Construction for many of your home repair/improvement projects! We definitely plan to use Phalan Construction for future projects."
"I hired Hess and Son to do some interior framing, insulation, and ceiling work on my new woodworking barn. These guys did an outstanding job. I have owned four houses in three states and have used many contractors. These guys are in the top 1%. Blaine and his team were prompt, professional, polite, and did wonderful work. They explained each step of the process so that I was always “in the loop,” made some good suggestions that saved me money, and even through in some “extras” for free that made the finished job nicer. The also coordinated everything with my electrician and garage door installer so that everyone was “singing from the same sheet of music,” which is vital when multiple trades are involved in a project. Long story short is that I highly recommend Hess and Son and am planning to use them for another project in the spring."
"The team did a fantastic job on my full home renovation. From start to finish, they were professional, punctual, and very detail-oriented. The quality of the craftsmanship is top-notch, and they kept the site clean throughout the process. I?m extremely happy with the final result. Highly recommended"
"I initially hired J M Begin Construction in January 2025 to renovate the 2nd floor of a 1930’s Cape Cod style home. Over the next several months the 2nd floor has been transformed into a very attractive and cozy heated two bedroom living quarters. J M Begin has proved to be exceptionally reliable, very attentive to my questions and concerns. His skill set acquired over many years experience in the building trades is outstanding. I would highly recommend J M Begin Construction."
"I hired Highland Home and Garden LLC to build a 10x12 storage shed for our property in Hopkinton, MA. And I am happy that I did! A good experience throughout, and a high quality result. Mike and his team are knowledgeable, friendly and dependable. And I would highly recommend them for any construction project."
"CP construction and carpenrty did a great job building a new deck for my family. I was kept in the loop during the building process. Most importantly the price was right and great workmanship. I will use CP construction again and I highly recommend. Thanks again guys, from Nigel."
"Thanks to Patrick for the excellent repairs done as needed and requested. Everything was professionally handled and expertly done. When I am asked for recommendations, GPW is who I will suggest."
Barndominium Builders questions, answered by experts
The best lumber for building will be the strongest and most eco-friendly wood your budget allows. That being said, Douglas fir, pine, oak, and maple are all common building materials. Contractors will use a strong, inexpensive wood to frame a house or other structure and finer woods like mahogany for detail work.
Whether you should choose a flat roof or a sloped roof depends on your particular situation. Flat roofs tend to be less expensive to install. However, sloped roofs have longer lifespans and stand up better to heavy snow and other inclement weather.
Keep in mind that even a flat roof needs to have a slight slope, usually around 1/2 inch for every foot. If it is completely flat, water will pool and cause damage, either from weight or leakage or rot.
This answer varies based on where you are, but most states require that all homes are greater than 320 square feet. Remember that four walls are not the only requirements—windows, closet space, minimal ceiling heights, and indoor air quality are also factors. Each state and municipality differs, though, and as some don’t consider tiny homes permanent shelters, you’ll need to check to ensure you aren’t violating any local or state laws with your build.
Whether it is better to buy or build a chicken coop depends on your priorities, primarily cost versus time and effort. Building your own chicken coop can be significantly more budget-friendly, often costing about half as much as buying a pre-made one. If you have the time and skills, building a coop from scratch is the most economical option. However, if your time or skills are limited, buying a kit and hiring a handyperson to assemble it can be more cost-effective than hiring a carpenter to build a custom coop from scratch. If you want a perfectly constructed coop without sacrificing your own time and energy, buying one is the easiest choice.
While a romantic getaway in a vacation treehouse may sound appealing, building one to live in year-round comes with more challenges. However, a growing number of people are adopting this small-scale living approach to appreciate an off-the-grid, private lifestyle. It allows you to feel closer to nature in a sustainable, customizable, minimalist, and eco-friendly way.
The Northbridge, MA homeowners’ guide to barndominium building
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If home is where the barn is, a barndominium may be the dream house you’ve been looking for. Here are all the details you need to know about barndominium costs.
A barndominium offers lots of advantages, including durability and versatility. But is building a barndominium the right choice for you? Let’s find out.
